Heaven & Hell in Ishikawa

It’s cold year round, not hot, in the Hanibe Cave where the “Fushi Jigoku” (Satirical expression of Hell) sit alongside eerily lit statues on a winding path through this natural cave.

Located in the Chubu region of Japan, Ryumyoji Town in Ishikawa Prefecture is home to a paradox of peaceful prayer and images of hell. The cave enshrines the latter while nearby Hanibe Gankutsu-in, where the stated mission is world peace, enshrines deities and hosts the faithful dedicated to that mission.

From the cave of hell, a short walk will take you to a recumbent statue of Shakyamuni Buddha lounging peacefully in the more heavenly setting of a nearby park.

Also in the area you will find glowing bronze head and shoulders of what will eventually be the largest statue of Buddha in Japan on the grounds of Hanibe Gankutsu-in.